Topical Bible: Simplicity: Necessity For

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Topical Encyclopedia

Simplicity, in the biblical context, refers to a lifestyle and attitude characterized by humility, contentment, and a focus on spiritual rather than material wealth. The Scriptures emphasize the importance of simplicity as a means to cultivate a closer relationship with God and to live a life that reflects His values.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible frequently addresses the concept of simplicity, urging believers to prioritize their spiritual well-being over worldly concerns. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus instructs, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This passage highlights the necessity of simplicity by encouraging believers to focus on eternal values rather than temporary material possessions.

Contentment and Trust

Simplicity is closely linked to contentment and trust in God's provision. In 1 Timothy 6:6-8, Paul writes, "Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these." This passage underscores the importance of being satisfied with basic necessities and trusting in God's provision, rather than being consumed by the pursuit of wealth and material goods.

Humility and Modesty

The call to simplicity also involves humility and modesty. In 1 Peter 3:3-4, believers are advised, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight." This instruction emphasizes the value of inner beauty and character over external appearances, encouraging a simple and modest lifestyle.

Avoiding Distractions

Simplicity helps believers avoid distractions that can lead them away from their faith. In Luke 10:41-42, Jesus addresses Martha, saying, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her." Here, Jesus highlights the importance of focusing on what truly matters—spending time with Him and nurturing one's spiritual life—rather than being preoccupied with the busyness of life.

Generosity and Stewardship

A life of simplicity also enables believers to be more generous and responsible stewards of their resources. In Acts 2:44-45, the early church is described as having "all things in common" and selling their possessions to distribute to anyone in need. This communal lifestyle reflects a commitment to simplicity, where material wealth is not hoarded but shared for the benefit of the community and the advancement of God's kingdom.

Conclusion

The biblical call to simplicity is a call to live a life that is free from the entanglements of materialism and focused on spiritual growth and service to others. By embracing simplicity, believers can cultivate a deeper relationship with God, experience true contentment, and become effective witnesses of His love and grace in the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 18:2,3
And Jesus called a little child to him, and set him in the middle of them,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Peter's Simplicity of Life.
... Book VII. Chapter VI."Peter's Simplicity of Life. Then Peter, laughing, said: "And
do you not think, Clement, that very necessity must make you my servant? ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter vi peters simplicity of life.htm

How Brother Giles was Miraculously Assisted in a Great Necessity ...
... is all-compassionate, had regard to their faith, devotion, and simplicity in manner ...
he returned and told his neighbours of the extremity and necessity of these ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter vi how brother giles.htm

The Heart of Woman; the Necessity of Regulating it During Youth.
... your eyes were not screened by the veil of candor and simplicity preventing you ... her
heart, you would better understand my words, and the necessity of laboring ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter iii the heart of.htm

The Necessity for Praying Men
... Men are never noted for the simplicity and strength of their faith who are not ... Prayer
ought and must of necessity shape their characters, and must be one of ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/iii the necessity for praying.htm

That the Self-Existent Being must be Infinite and Omnipresent.
... composition, in opposition to the most perfect simplicity, signifies difference
and diversity in the manner of existence, which is inconsistent with necessity. ...
/.../vi proposition vi that the.htm

The Answer to a Sixth Letter,
... and the necessity of that existence by the necessity of certain ... The objection of
immensity being inconsistent with spirituality and simplicity, arises merely ...
/.../the answer to a sixth.htm

Of the Necessity of the Wager
... opinion is one of those which people receive with credulous simplicity, or one of ...
infallibly place us within a few years under the dreadful necessity of being ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section iii of the necessity.htm

Behold, Thou Art Fair, My Love; Behold, Thou Art Fair; Thou Hast ...
... The Spouse understood from the beginning the necessity of simplicity and the perfect
nature of uprightness when she said, the upright love Thee; (verse 3 ...
/.../guyon/song of songs of solomon/14 behold thou art fair.htm

Advertisement.
... indulgences forget God. But his very simplicity precludes the necessity
of any preface. His Sermons explain themselves. They appear ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/the harmony of the gospels/advertisement.htm

He Does Wrong in Assuming, to Account for the Existence of the ...
... Hitherto there has prevailed with those who accept the Gospel in its plain simplicity
the belief that there is no necessity above the Godhead to bend the Only ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 20 he does wrong.htm